Letters: Care requires connectivity

Thursday

May 7, 2020 at 9:35 AM

Don’t let partisanship divide us amid crisis

As a health care professional, I have been awed by those on the front lines of this global pandemic; however, I do worry about our residents of Maine who live in areas not readily accessible to health care facilities. Many of those residents have preexisting conditions that make them more vulnerable to this virus.

I have come to realize that access to high quality communications, particularly broadband connectivity, has become the vital resource for patients who live in remote areas. Telemedicine and telehealth — the ability to deliver health-related services to patients via electronic information and telecommunications technologies — allows for long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice and monitoring. And, in Maine, it has become abundantly clear to me that many of the patients who need this type of support are not able to receive it because they lack access to broadband connectivity.

As Congress tries to come together to find ways to support our economy and our healthcare workers during this pandemic, I really hope they recognize that supporting broadband expansion to advance the cause of universal connectivity is among the most important ways they can help. I call on senators King and Collins and Congresswoman Pingree to make this one of their top priorities.

— Jennifer Gallagher, Kennebunk

Connect with nature during this crisis

It’s vital to stay close to home and practice social distancing during this difficult time. There are many opportunities to enjoy nature close to home; backyard birding or delving into a nature novel or documentary represent just a few examples of opportunities to remain connected to nature while practicing social distancing.

If you do venture outside, it’s crucial to follow the Maine CDC’s guidelines, such as remaining 6 feet apart from others, wearing a mask and having a Plan B if your desired location is busy. However, if you are visiting a trail, consider providing a much larger buffer. If you are running or biking, you may consider allowing for even a greater distance.

As some places close, nature remains open. I hope that during the pandemic people remember what is important to them such as engaging with nature, staying connected to family and friends, opting outside, and health and wellness.

The Trust for Public Land recently shared that one in three Americans don’t have access to a park near their home. Kennebunk and surrounding communities are fortunate to have land trusts, reserves, refuges and other conservation organizations that have protected nearby open space; this makes land available for all.

In addition to the environmental benefits of protecting open space, there are many social, health and community benefits of green space. Access to open space creates increased opportunity for physical activity and may also help strengthen mental health. For example, a 2014 Stanford University study shared that walking helps enhance creativity; some research has also found that walking can help boost your mood. However, it’s vital to remember that the land trusts in us!

Consider becoming a member of your local conservation organization, such as your local land trust, and help protect these places that bring joy to us all and provide key habitat.

— Sarah Stanley, director of the Kennebunk Land Trust

Plaudits to the Wells school administration

I would like to commend the administration of the Wells public school system in selecting the front line food workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly Chris Pasternak, (Wells school system food services manager), Laura Days (Wells high school kitchen manager) and Diane St. Once (Wells elementary school kitchen manager), for extraordinary and exemplary service to our community. They are all classic examples of selfless humanitarians that have been on the "firing line," having to deal with a plethora of problems every day in order to deliver critical food supplies.

Through the unprecedented global crisis and the anomie that threatens our very way of life, they have shined. Local parents and children have benefited greatly from their great poise and human understanding. What a team! Again plaudits to the Wells school administration for their great engineering not only of the creative off-site school teaching programs they developed in warp speed (as grandparents we have two students in the elementary and high schools), but also in the front line "one on one " food service outreach. The approach has been beyond great. "Go to the head of the class." Your system works!

— Rick and Kathy Hanson Speciale, Ogunquit

Ouellette has Ogunquit’s best interests at heart

In our upcoming municipal elections, we need strong leadership during these uncertain times. In Ogunquit, we have had the opportunity to experience that with Heath Ouellette. In the past few months that he has served on the select board, he has distinguished himself with his preparedness and knowledge of the town’s issues. He has shown himself to be a listener, a learner and a team player, who is unafraid to pose questions when he is unsure, or to challenge another when he disagrees. He is open to the input of his fellow board members, the townspeople, the business community and everyone who has Ogunquit’s best interests at heart. He gives his unbiased opinions and recommendations based on the town’s governing laws and good old fashioned common sense. He has no hidden agenda other than to adhere to his strong moral and ethical principles.

Not only does Heath serve his community as a Selectman and a Rotarian, he is also selfless in his response to those in need and those who deserve recognition for their service to the community. Last fall, Heath began collecting basic necessities for those who were less fortunate. During this pandemic, Heath organized a meal a day for our first responders. Because of these acts, he has inspired others to participate in helping others. That’s what true leaders do, set an example and welcome others to join in. Heath does this with a kindness and compassion that is innate. This is the leadership that Ogunquit needs.

I will once again cast my vote for Selectman Heath Ouellette during this year’s municipal election and urge you to consider doing the same. I want to make my vote count for a man who I know will work for us and give his all to our town.

— Jacqueline Ronsivalli, Ogunquit

Who Is helping Your socially isolated neighbors?

These are difficult times for sure. Society as a whole is being asked to socially isolate — to stay away from family members, friends, neighbors and even teachers. There are some of our neighbors who are way ahead of others in their isolation. During normal times roughly 20% of the population suffers from social isolation. This population doesn’t reach out for help. Maybe it’s because of shame, maybe it’s because they don’t know how or maybe they just don’t know help is available. During normal times this community doesn’t make headlines.

Reaching out can be difficult but there are resources. There is a new non-profit organization based in Kennebunk. We are a small but dedicated group available to help chronically isolated people. We are 12 people, including Dr. Burns-Riley and Roberta Stout, whose expertise includes therapy, counseling, law enforcement, education and writing. We are here to help.

Center for Social Isolation Remedies can be found at www.socialisolation.org. You may contact us anytime by email through our website and request to communicate with the team member of your choice. We welcome correspondence from anywhere. On our website under the resources window, you can find several links to books, articles and videos that may be helpful and reassuring.

These are difficult times beyond what most of us have ever experienced. CSIR is here to help those struggling with social isolation. There is no charge for our services.

— Helen Rivas-Rose, Center for Social Isolation Remedies founder

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